DISCLAIMER I DO NOT OWN AIKATSU NOR ANY SONGS USED
*Stand up! by Kotoha x Hanon (I made some slight changes to the lyrics but nothing too big)
Kikyo's POV
I intently watched Headmistress Yumesaki's school wide broadcast. Since the Twinkle Star Cup was for both schools the news made the entire place shake in excitement. Many pairs teamed up the moment the broadcast ended. I, personally, wasn't interested.
Units were hard. Performing is one thing. Doing it with another person? Way harder. There had to be a consideration of coords, vocals, theme, timing. For the most part I enjoyed doing my Aikatsu as a soloist. Matching it to someone else would mean having someone that they have to not only understood me but had the same skill level. I refused to have anyone drag me down but myself.
No one stood out to form a unit with even if only temporary. The only person that did come to mind was Shouta but it was pretty obvious that he would team up with Suzukawa Momo. I won't expand more about their strange relationship. I don't know the other units line up but they are highly likely to win. Not only are they compatible, they understood the other's skills to make up for it. There was no point in going against a strong pair unless I was confident in my partner's abilities. Not many people were up to that standard.
It's not like anyone was lining up to ask me to be their partner anyways.
"Inoue-san, Ayano-senpai is here to see you." I raised my head to one of my classmates standing in front of my desk. They pointed over to the door where Ayano was surrounded. She was respected by many but none of them felt intimidated by her that they all chatted easily.
She paused her conversation when she saw me looking her way. "My muse! Over here!"
My older sister has always been... Unique to put it easily. As kids she didn't have any doubt in what she liked and what she hated. Everything to her was pretty black and white. When she put her mind to something, almost all other topics were pushed aside. For a short term, that wasn't too big of a problem.
The same could be said when we discovered Aikatsu. Or when I did I should clarify.
I was always fond of learning music. It started with the piano that my parents made me attend. Then I heard about piano and violin duets. To learn more on how to balance those duets, I learned the violin. Both were so classical that I went towards the more common route of guitar. Practicing these three all at once I wanted to try a wind instrument. The flute was so delicate and not so straining on my fingers that I picked it up fast.
Out of all the instruments the flute was the most difficult by my standards. I didn't have to build any of the instruments I did in the past. My fingers were stationary for the most part beside moving up and down and the occasional move to the key next over. The main thing that made it hard was that there was a 50/50 work between my hands and my breath. It was the flute that opened the door to singing through things like breathing exercises. It's amazing how the way that I breathed could change the whole song.
So I started vocal training. The only instrument was myself. Vocal training didn't require me to push a certain button but use solely my own body to produce the desired sound. There's not a lot to say about singing besides that I loved it.
It was only a matter of time that I found out what idols were. Naturally with how close I was to Ayano, at the time, we watched a lot of performances together. I fell in love with the music aspect and she did the same with their appearance. Not in the shallow way but she loved how they dressed, shined, and smiled on stage.
If I were to guess, that's when she first started to come up with the idea to be a designer. Being older Ayano got into Dream Academy two years before me. And thus Chameleon's Skin was born. Problem was that in our years apart she changed. I knew that she loved clothes but to forget being an idol really hurt. When I first came to Dream Academy, I didn't expect her to be so welcoming of me to her brand. At the first press conference of the year she announced to everyone that I was her muse and that she looked forward to me showing everyone who I was. I hated the nickname of muse that she had given me. As my sister, she shouldn't treat me only as a business partner.
I packed up my things, going over to her. The crowd quickly parted with them saying their goodbyes as I approached. Their changes in expression between the two of us was obvious. "Why are you here Ayano-neesan? Last I checked we didn't have a meeting planned."
"For you! I'm sure your class saw the announcement too. I came here as fast as I could." My classmates gasped as they got the gist of things.
"You're here to ask me if I want to form a unit with you?"
"Yes! As expected my muse is smart." Everyone around us was oblivious to my reaction to it. When I was listing off potential partner candidates in my head I immediately crossed out Ayano. The last person I wanted to be next to me on stage was the one that left me.
I was going to deny her when both of our Aikatsu phones rang. I mentally groaned that I couldn't get out my message as I went to check it. Headmistress Yumesaki? I pocketed my phone seeing that Ayano got the same text.
"Did Headmistress Yumesaki ask to see you too?" I nodded. She clung onto my arm. "Then let's go together!"
I rolled my eyes, pulling her off. "Let's go. We wouldn't want to keep her waiting long."
She said a few things to my classmates that I didn't catch. The best way to handle my sister was to ignore her. Happily skipping along she didn't even show if my action bothered her. Didn't even stop her from trying to make small talk with me. About how classes were, my life, anything that she could come up with in the short amount of time it took to get to the main office.
I honestly don't know why Ayano still tries to make conversation. I would assume that she would get the hint after all the one sided meetings we had would tell her everything she needed to know about me. My answers were dry for a reason. I didn't need to waste my energy in trying to mend a relationship that was already in the past.
"So why do you think the Headmistress wants to see us? Did you get into trouble? Do I have to call the parents?"
"I did not and no you don't." If anything she was the one that was in trouble. I wasn't the one that was always trying to break the standards in Aikatsu. Though knowing the headmistress, that kind of the thinking was always welcomed.
Arriving at her office we knocked before going in. She stood up, walking over to her little guest area. "Afternoon girls. How are you today? Please make yourselves comfortable."
We sat next to each other, Headmistress Yumesaki across from us. She didn't seem in a bad nor serious mood. She was actually very giddy with us. Then again, I've never seen her in a bad mood. Even during my enrollment, she was happy to tell her initial thoughts right at the get go instead of remaining stoic like most auditions. "If I can be frank, headmistress, why did you call us here today?"
She gave a bashful smile. "Honestly I have a request for the two of you. As you both know the Twinkle star cup is coming up. This is a big event for both schools as the first ever win was done by students of both. Because of the attention we, headmistresses, like to facilitate the teams that enter. And occasionally we recommend students who we think would be fit to be a unit. This year, if you would be so kind, I would like you two to represent Dream Academy."
"Us?"
"Yes!"
"No!"
"What do you mean no?"
"No as in I'm not forming a unit with you. Want to hear it in English? No!" I turned to the Headmistress. "I'm sorry Headmistress Yumesaki but I have to refuse that offer. I have no plans to form a unit with Ayano-neesan. Or participate in Twinkle Star cup at all. I hope you understand."
I didn't mean to tell my sister this way. It was in a very rude manner; I acknowledge that. It won't change my answer even if Headmistress Yumesaki asks me. The two of them looked at each other. She straightens herself up.
"I understand that this is a sudden request. I highly recommend that you think this decision over. Both of you discuss my proposal. Once thinking it over then I'll accept your rejection." I huffed out. I couldn't argue with her. Since the beginning she's never led me a stray. If she wants me to think it over that's the least I could do.
"If I can ask, why us? Is it because of my brand?"
"While that did influence my decision, that's not the main point. I truly believe that a pairing between you two will be interesting to see. Not just for me but for viewers as well. This is coming from my professional experience. Like I said, this is merely a request from me. You are free to decline after you have thought this through."
Neither of us said anything. Ayano probably did want to partner up with me. At one point in my life, I did too. I would have thought that she grew out of it like me. It was a childish way to think that we could live out our dreams so easily. The road to Aikatsu was hard enough as a single person. Making a unit meant that two were responsible for their fellow members. I didn't need to be watching over her. Nor do I need her doing that for me.
Out of respect I was willing to give it a shot. Purely out of respect and nothing more.
I wanted to be open to the idea. I really did. We were representing our school. We couldn't mess around when the headmistress put stakes on us. I worked with her in the past. Both professionally and imaginatively. I grew up with her. I lived in the same room with her for years. And I know that I'm not the easiest person to be with at times. But I knew when to hold back in order to get things done. This shouldn't be so difficult!
The problem, and I knew this would happen at some point, was that Ayano didn't like to give her opinions on things. People loved to praise her for her out of the box thinking. What they didn't know was that she doesn't like to say it out loud. All the planning was done in her head and then created. Even writing things out was in a sprawl manner that no one understood.
No matter how much I tried to drag her thoughts out, it resulted in the same thing. Over and over again with the same strained smile. What song should we do? She trusted my decision. Unit name? Anything was fine with her. When should we rehearse? Didn't matter to her. Our coords! She didn't say a thing. She is a designer! How can she not have anything to say about what we wear?!
I didn't think that I was asking for a lot. I could plan everything myself. I shouldn't have to though. "You realize that this is a joined activity, right? You both have to participate. In that mind set, we both have to contribute to it. So I'm asking one last time, no I'm begging you, is there anything- anything at all that you would like to add?"
She put on the same smile. I couldn't understand her. Not one bit. "I don't."
I slammed my hands down on the table. "Fine. Then don't."
I left. I didn't- couldn't be around her for much longer. This unit was going to be a disaster. I have to give my apologies to Headmistress Yumesaki but I couldn't do this. I gave it time to think. I gave her multiple chances. I even made our meeting a day after so that she would have space to come up with things she wanted. It wasn't unreasonable to tell her the truth. It'll be a lot easier to do that than go out and make a fool of the two of us. There was a reputation that we both had to uphold. How would it look if we as sisters couldn't form a unit despite working together on multiple occasions? That's going to get reflected on her brand. I may be angry at her but not to the point to ruin our careers in one swoop.
A part of me wanted to look back at her studio's door. To see if my out burst had struck a chord with her. The other part of me didn't hear anything. No door opening nor footsteps. That's all that I needed to know. It didn't matter to her that I was abandoning our unit. She was doing the same as when she left the idol course. I had no place with her anymore.
I knocked a few times on Headmistress Yumesaki's door. When there was no answer I peered my head through. "Hello? Is anyone here?"
No answer again. I closed the door, figuring that she was around campus. Should I wait for her to come back or should I go look for her? However, knowing how loose she was, I really doubted that she would be back soon. On with the search then.
Going around campus I had asked a few people if they've seen her. Most of them had but as a passing. Their directions led me all over the place. If it was anyone else but her I would have thought that she was somehow avoiding me. 'Why does this place have to be so big? More importantly why does she have to be such a busy body?'
I placed my hands on my hips scanning the area. There were a lot of people out. Some of them training. Chatting. Just going about. All of them had at least one person beside them. It made sense given that many of them would have grabbed someone to pair up with. Even without the Twinkle Star cup, people hanged out with their friends. That was a thing. A thing that I didn't do to often.
I'm aware of the presence I give off. That was on purpose. I wanted to focus on my goals. As a top idol I didn't have time to be wasting. Including to go out and about randomly or have long conversations on how I was doing. That time could be used for training. Resting from a long day. I didn't really need anyone else that could come along and ruin that for me. I was going to be a top idol. And last I remember there was only one. A unit with someone else isn't going to change that.
"Boo!" I yelp as someone came up from behind. I held my chest realizing that it was the woman I was looking for.
"Please never do that again Headmistress!" She took a step back.
"Sorry, you looked serious lost in the clouds I thought I should loosen you up. I hear you've been searching for me? What's up? I assume it's about your unit. Have you decided to work with your sister?"
"The opposite. I'm so sorry that I have to let you down like this but I can't work with her. Being in a unit will be too much for me to handle." She was genuinely surprised.
"Can I ask what happened? I thought for sure you two would make a good pair once you heard what she had to say."
"Had to say? That's the problem! She won't let me hear what she has to say. I've been trying to this whole day. Instead of answering me back, all she does is agree with what I say. I don't want to do everything myself so I asked her as politely as I could if she could contribute. She said and I quote, 'I can't'. What am I suppose to say with that? This wouldn't be a unit. It'll be my stage with her in the background at this rate."
"Ahh I see what's going on. Let me guess. Now, and maybe even before today, you view Ayano-chan as someone that you have to watch over despite her being older. That you're the mature one that knows more than she does. That makes you frustrated because you've seen stories where older siblings are reliable figures but that's not what your sister is. And even though you're close to her, you still couldn't understand her." I was amazed at how accurate her guess was.
"Y-Yeah. How did you know all of that?" She snickered.
"Have I ever told you that you remind me of my younger brother?"
"You have a younger brother?" There wasn't a lot that was known about her background. When she first started the school she was just a regular person. Lots just assumed that she was an avid Aikatsu fan that somehow managed to build a school that was incredibly well made in all fields.
"Yep! He's a full adult that is married with a child but he'll always be my baby brother. That's the same Ayano-chan. We, good older siblings, aren't as clueless as you believe. Ayano-chan knows what she's doing. It was my idea that she went to be a designer but she was the one to make a name for herself. And you know very well that the image of her in your mind wouldn't be able to reach where she is today without knowing what she was doing. Without speaking up about what she envisions for the brand. You believe that she doesn't know anything but have you considered that it could be the other way around?"
"Then why do you think that she won't do tell me that? What about me is different?"
"You're her muse. What do you think that means to her?"
"I... I don't know."
"Then maybe it she meant it when she said that she couldn't, she really couldn't. Not that she didn't want to." Something she couldn't tell me? I was going to ask more when her phone started ringing. She held up her hand as in apology as she picked it up. After a few quick responses she put it away.
"Sorry about that. Just a few business things I'm taking care of." There was a side that she didn't show her students. We knew her to be loose. Behind the scenes she built this whole school with a never thought of concept. I can't imagine how much work that must have been. And still is. Was Ayano like that? Was there a side to her that I didn't see that was holding her back?
I bowed to her. "Thank you Headmistress. I will try to speak to her again."
She smiled, nodding. "Alright then. I hope that even if you don't participate in the Twinkle Star cup, you don't look poorly on your sister."
I turned back on my heel towards the designer studios. I wonder if Ayano had shown her professional side to many people as Headmistress Yumesaki did. If I was the only one that changed her personality.
Coming back, Ayano was already working on something else. Because we always scheduled meetings beforehand I never showed up unannounced. She didn't even react to me because she was so focused on her work. Already I could see that she wasn't the same as when talking to me.
I cleared my throat as I took a seat. She was a bit confused when I gestured her to seat across from me. She didn't say anything when she did. There was only one thing that I wanted to know now. I didn't care about the unit anymore. I wanted to know who my sister really is. "Why do you call me your muse? Why don't you call my name?"
She chuckled. "Because you were the one that loved that name."
"Eh? Me? When?"
"My muse may be amazing on stage but off stage she's still younger. Her memory doesn't go as far back as mine."
"Just tell me already." She went over to her bookcase. There were multiple sketchbooks that she had since she was always designing and recreating. Sometimes she just filled the pages with useless doodles when she had designers block.
Pulling one out I recognized the cover as one of her earlier ones. From even before she got accepted into Dream I believe. She flipped through until she got to the bookmarked spot. She opened it up to me as she went back to the bookcase again. The page had smiling stick people wearing poorly coloured in rectangles and triangles as clothes. There was nothing more than kiddy drawings and messy handwriting pointing to them.
Before I could question more she placed another sketchbook in front of me. This one had what I expected from her designer books. Full outfits detailed down to the fabrics and pattern makes. These were the coords for her first fashion line. At that time everyone was anticipating the newest fashion designer that was still in school. Including me. From the start people told her that she was outstanding. Her way of thinking was like a child's with the skill of a well trained professional was admired by many.
"When Headmistress told me that I was allowed to become an official brand I became so nervous. But I knew what I wanted it to be. This sheet-" She pointed to the page with the poorly drawn outfits. "was from you."
Looking closer at the drawing I had a very foggy memory. We were in our room. Our living room? Somewhere in our house. I don't even remember what we talked about. Only that she was smiling a lot.
"I still don't remember."
"Let's try this." She pouted her eyes, blinking cutely. The way she acted reminded me of a small child pleading for some sweets. "Neechan what does muse mean?"
I could hear what she said in my voice in my head. Followed by her answer. "A muse is... It's..."
"It's a person's inspiration. Something that will bring them back when they're lost in their own mind." She completed my sentence for me. The same wording she did when I was younger.
'Then I want to be Ayano-neechan's muse!' My eyes widened as my memory became clear. I was the one who asked her to call me her muse. Being the creative inspiration to someone as amazing as my sister was considered a great honour when I was younger. All the time I made her make my drawings since I wasn't able to do that. I found everything she created as magical as a Fairy Godmother turning a ripped dressed to a ball gown with no effort. I wanted to be the one to be dressed in the clothes she made. To be the reason she was able to come up with these things.
That means that the two pages in front of me, the same ones that starred in her designer debut, were made by me. All this time, I was blaming her brand for taking her away from being an idol with me. I thought her making me muse was a way for her to make it up to me. To apologize for her leaving me. But it was me who pushed her away. I didn't hear her out. I just went along with it because I thought I could change her mind by being her muse.
Instead she stood back on stage because of Shouta. I didn't get how he did it until now. He listened to her. Recognized and accepted her talents in both fields without making her feel like her decision to go on hiatus was a mistake. Something I didn't do. I drove us apart.
I bit my lip as I couldn't find the right words to say. She placed a hand over my fist. "It's alright."
"Ayano-neesan..." She collected the two books, holding them open in her hands.
"I know why you became distant from me. I didn't exactly make much of an effort to soothe your anger when you became an idol too. When you first heard that I was releasing my brand you didn't have the best emotion on your face. I guess I was running away from that. But on the other hand, a muse is an inspiration. Ever since we were kids you loved to dip your toes into everything. Meanwhile I was still hesitant to continue with being idol because I was a designer. If I put out my ideas, I already know that they'll pale to yours's. And you are kind. You would consider it and it would ruin the whole thing by trying to put them together. I just couldn't say anything."
I pulled her into an awkward hug with the books. There was nothing to say. It wasn't that she didn't have anything to say. She genuinely thought that my ideas would work because she trusted me. Me being her muse was her way of treasuring me. My ideas. So if I didn't want to be a unit, she would only listen even at her own expense of not living the dream we had together.
"My muse, do you want me to stop calling you that? If it's what you want, then I'll stop."
"No. I don't want you to stop. Just-" I took a deep breath to calm down, stepping back. "Just try to add something of your own. I don't want this to be one sided. I understand that you get value my ideas but I do yours too. If we're going to be partners, don't treat me like your ideas are bad. This is my first time in a unit as well. Be more selfish with what you want."
"I already have been. Why do you think Headmistress Yumesaki asked us to represent the school?" My eyes widened.
"You- Did you ask her to pair us together?" She bashfully looked away.
"Not exactly, no. But during my first year I told her a lot about you and how I wanted to form a unit with you when you became an idol. When she asked us to participate I was reminded of how many times I talked about you. Our headmistress is fun like that."
"Of course you'd think that way." I have to admit, that if it wasn't for Headmistress Yumesaki I would never have though to team up with Ayano.
I had a lot more to thank this school of her's too. I think only at Dream Academy were we allowed to truly expand ourselves in the different aspects. It would be a waste to not take advantage of it. Now really thinking about it, I wonder what would have happened if Ayano wasn't allowed to pursue being a designer. I almost did that to her when I didn't listen to her side of things.
She became a designer because it was a part of her. An artist with both music and fabric, she shouldn't have to choose which one was more important. I shouldn't have tried to make her feel guilty when she was trying to figure that out. She was still thinking of me when she was a designer by calling me her muse. She created a whole brand around the idea of me from the start. That no matter what kind of idol I became I would still be able to work alongside her.
"If I can be selfish one more time. I do have one more request. It's about what we're going to wear on stage."
"You are the designer here. Go ahead." She sat up. Deciding on outfits was one of the few times that she was serious.
"I want to wear our Dream Coords."
"Our school uniforms? Why?" Most of the time units would get special unit coords to represent them. That or they would wear their own brands in order to make themselves stand out in the clothes they were most comfortable in. Units wearing their stage uniforms was usually because they had no other coords that would match the theme.
"Because I want to do this as an idol. I don't want people looking at our stage and thinking about what we're wearing. They should be focusing on us."
"As an idol? Are you sure? You don't have to do that-"
"I'm sure. Not worrying about our outfits makes me focus that much more on our performance. Besides," she turned in the direction of one of my posters hanging on the wall, "if I'm going to be the partner to the Ace of Spades I have to bring my a-game."
There was a grin on both of our faces. "When you put it that way then it's only right that I meet that expectation. You may have bit more experience than me as a third year but I'm the one in the idol course. Try your best to catch up to me."
We stood together in our Dream Coords on the stage. I don't know how I was suppose to feel right now. A part of my childhood dream was going to be completed now. I couldn't contain my excitement that my usual cool, unapproachable image fell naturally. I could even see it through my sister's face that she was the same. We took a few steps closer to show that we were ready.
Our voices were what started off the performance. We started out whispering close to each other faces.
Both: Se-no
Ayano: Jump
Kikyo: Run
B: Stand up! Go! We burst out running to the opposite sides of the stage. We chose the Aerial Park Stage to make sure that there was enough room to play around with the open air type of mood. Different from her sexy type and my cool type of stage we wanted to create a high pop energy that was only possible together.
A: Asa wa okiru dekenai desu She waved her hand in front of her face like she was yawning
Mogu mogu asa chushoku taimu
(Mogu mogu) She pretended to eat something cutely
K: Maiban osoku made no renshuu wa Iwas the opposite of her sleepy act as I was intensely running in spot as if I was training
Chotto taihen desu
A: Ofuton to tatakattemasu
Dakara okosanaide moraemasu ka?
K: Nee nee, Neesan okite okite I scolded from across the stage
A: Ato go fun dake She waved me off like a child
B: Se-no de taobidasou
Hadashi no mama de hashiridase
Koketemo tachi agaru sa
Jump! Run! Around!
Fun! We posed differently after spinning in a circle
Fuan wa tabechaou
Tama ni wa yukkuri aruitekou
Mawari mo kakunin shite
K: Migi I pointed to the right
A: Hidari She pointed to the left
K: Mae I jumped forward
A: Ushiro She jumped backwards
K: Tabe sugi janai yo
A: So so
"My muse, how are you feeling so far. Tired yet?" This talking session was her idea to fill space. I could feel her energy consuming me that I had to give more to match her.
"No way! What about you Ayano-neesan?"
"I'm only getting started! Let's keep on going!"
"Let's go!" We ran, switching sides. Usually I would do performances that focused more on singing or the appearance of acting. Doing this stage, I relied on how much Ayano had to keep my energy levels high. She was giving it her all that I had to match it. She may have gone a hiatus but she still hasn't lost her touch.
K: Oyatsu no jikan taisetsu desu We changed roles where I was, more politely, eating something
Mogu mogu amai mono taimu
(Mogu mogu)
A: Kenkou ni wa ki wo tsukete
Kotsu kotsu ganbate imasu
K: Tennen to yoku iwaremasu
Mata michi ni mayochatta
Koko wa doko? She swung her arm over like she was calling me over. I almost laughed at how bubbly her acting was. "This way! This way!"
We ran together to the center stage.
B: Se-no de fumidasou
Oikaze mikata ni hashiridase
Mawari michi mo tanoshimou
Jump!
Run!
Around!
Fun!
Yuganda michi nori mo
Tanoshimi nagara gooru made
Mawari mo kakunin shite
K: Migi
A: Hidari
K: Mae
A: Ushiro
A: Wasuremomo wa nai?
K: Ehh? We started to free style what we were doing by playing with the audience close enough to the stage
After the instrumental break we turned to each other. The tempo slowed down a bit. Almost like we were the only people here I forgot all about the competition. We slowly walked closer to each other
K: Hitori de wa dekinai koto mo
A: Futari nara nori koete ikeru kara
I dropped my singing voice for the next line. Holding my hand out to my sister.
K: Kore kara isshoni ganbarou She nodded, shaking my hand.
A: Un! Ganbarou
B: Se-no de tobidasou We rested our backs against the other, reaching upwards. I finally felt that I had someone to rely on. To sing as freely as I was right now.
Zenryoku shissou tsuki susume
Choujou mezashite saa Our voices harmonized so nicely that it felt right.
Jump!
Run!
Around!
Fun!
Itsuka tsukameru kara
Kono mama futari de aruitekou We swung around arms slightly, walking forward. There wasn't anything to be rushing. I had her by my side.
Mawari mo kakunin shite
K: Migi
A: Hidari
K: Mae
A: Ushiro
B: Saki ha nagai kedo
Stand up!
The final jump set off a Sprial Flower Appeal. Landing back down Ayano immediately pulled me to bow forward with her while the last notes played out. Our first performance together was over.
By the end of it I had a huge weight off my shoulders. As a kid there was nothing more that I wanted than to be in this position. Right next to my sister. A unit together. And it wasn't just the fact that we did it. It was that we did it in an not strained environment. It may have been because of Headmistress that we got together but I didn't regret doing this with her.
SELF was a unit that I dreamed of with the best improvements. I didn't imagine that we would be in our school uniforms nor that we would be more of the fun/pop type unit. We were so close then. Now we had this to add on to our memories. Our parents are going to love this.
"Can we ask TRUST, DEBUT and SELF to go on stand by?" The worker quickly announced to us backstage. This meant that these were the top three units and they were about to call out the winner. The three groups gathered to the side.
Like I thought Suzukawa had teamed up with Shouta. Their changes to their song matched well with their usual image of friends supporting each other. Not to mention that their coords were clearly made specifically for them. They met the expectations placed on them as the only co-ed unit with a previous background. Anyone could see that they were good friends that had confidence in the other to match the energy they gave off.
Then there was the dark horse unit, DEBUT, consisting of Snapshot Hayate and Karasuma Yuki. No one could have predicted that Hayate recruited the actor to join him since they had no history. The two were different from the other groups since their stage was less compromising and more competing. For the model he showed a significant improvement last I saw. For Karasuma, his skill was way higher than what he was known for that surprised everyone. I wouldn't be surprised if he managed to get into Starlight next year.
Either groups had a high chance to beat us. Coming down to it, the winners wasn't chosen by skills or relationship. It was based on the audience. We were all similar in terms of ranking and strengths. All of us had a recognizable name that it was only a matter of which combination grabbed people's attention. Anyone was capable of winning if they big enough impression on those watching.
Walking onto stage we got in the order of our performances. The announcer was off to the side with a few cue cards in hand. "Alright everyone! It's the moment we've all been waiting for! I have brought back on the top three units to award one of them the title of winner. You don't need this but let's re-introduce these units who shined brightly tonight."
"First we have the best friends' unit that has been rising since stepping on stage. How do you all feel about the Suzukawa Momo and Higawari Shouta's unit TRUST?!" They were met with everyone's enthusiastic cheers.
"Next we have the unexpected pairing of one of the top male models and new rising actor, both showing off their idol skills. Give it up for Ceasire Hayato and Karasuma Yuki and their unit DEBUT!" The two boys fist bumped while the crowd went wild for them.
"And last, but certainly not least, we have the sister combo that showed off a completely new side to them but we all know better than to try predict what they will do next. Put your hands together for Inoue Ayano and Inoue Kikyo unit's SELF!" We waved our arms to thank them for their screams.
"But let's not prolong this longer than needed. I know what you want so I'm going tell you now. The winner of this year's Twinkle Star Cup is..." A drumroll played while the lights started swirling around us contestants. "Congratulations to Inoue Ayano and Inoue Kikyo for their unit SELF!"
Confetti cannons went off as loudly as the crowd cheers. Ayano hugged me from the side; both jumping and squealing at the announcement. I allowed her to celebrate without caring too much about her almost making my arm lose blood circulation. "We did it! We did it!"
"Now let's hear a word from our winners!" The announcer gestured us forward. Ayano was the one that took the microphone first.
"I'd like to say something before my sister. Firstly, I want to thank everyone that voted and watched us. I know that it's been a while since I've stepped back on stage as an idol that I'm glad I haven't gone rusty." She gained a few chuckles from that. She kept staring forward at the audience as she continued. "Secondly I want to thank my sister. To, without her, I wouldn't have gotten the courage to even audition for Dream. She's been my biggest inspiration from the start and I wouldn't be able to continue. She gave me some trouble but I wouldn't let anyone else but her be here by my side."
"I have my own words to say to that." I pulled the microphone out of her hands. "Ayano-neesan is a thorn in my side. She never listens to me and is a headache to work with when her brain goes 100 kilometers per hour. Not only do I have to deal with her during our meetings but she's in my school and at family dinners. When we first came up with the idea of forming a unit I really wanted to not go through with it."
I tighten my hold on the microphone. The crowd was silent at how I kept throwing insults at her. As the winner I shouldn't be so critical of my partner. I just wanted to tell everything to the audience. A lot of them assumed that because we worked together so often that we got along perfectly. I don't want to sell the idea that we were the ideal sister combo. We had differences that made it impossible for us, mainly me, to go without arguing.
"Despite all of that, and all the rude comments I make, Ayano-neesan has been with me through everything. Not only has she never left my side, she's always thought of me. During our preparation I realized that. She's seen my faults and finds a way to turn them into something beautiful. She is a very annoying older sister but she's still my sister. This unit was something we planned when we were younger. I'm extremely glad that I get to experience this together. As half of the unit, I can proudly say that this will not be the last time we stand on stage as SELF. Thank you."
The two of other groups bowed with us as everyone gave their final waves goodbyes to the crowd. The screaming didn't stop even after the lights went off and we got off stage. Backstage I gave out a sigh of relief that it was all done. I'll never get use to the feeling of the thousands of people applauding.
"Congratulations on winning, Ayano-senpai, Inoue-san. The two of you did splendidly. I'm looking forward to the future endeavors of SELF." The two members of TRUST approached us from behind us. We turned around to properly accept her words.
"Thank you! With my muse by my side, there was nothing that could stop me." I jokingly pushed her. She still had the habit of calling me muse but now it didn't bother me that much. It was a compliment.
"It was only natural that we won. Something like this isn't that big of an accomplishment for us." Just because I'm grateful for their words, doesn't mean I have to show it.
"Wow the Ace of Spades really is as prideful as I heard. But she needs to work on her acting as she can't fool me." Karasuma slung his body over Suzukawa's from behind. I didn't realize that they were close. Must have been from when they acted in their drama together.
"What the-"
"Sorry about that! He's... straightforward." Hayate covered the other's mouth to stop him from talking. I could already tell that I won't be talking much with Karasuma after today. The duet and Suzukawa entered a quieted squabble to what I assume discuss his behaviour.
Ayano went to join them. Probably because they looked interesting. Shouta stepped to the side to avoid that mess. "Congratulations Kikyo-san. Isn't it great that you two were finally able to see eye to eye?"
"Yeah. Thanks by the way. I never got a chance to thank you for encouraging Ayano-neesan back to being an idol. I think I have to give some of this win in your honour."
"Please don't thank me. You're being too modest. SELF only worked out because you two talked your feelings out. Before I forget, I wanted to ask what your unit name means."
"What do you think it means?" He tilted his head a little.
"I had to ask Momo-san what it translates to but I think it refers to you being yourself? The two of you that is. Inoue-senpai's new ways versus your professional, standard styles contrasts each other but you are yourself, despite being in a unit together. Is that close?"
"That was what we wanted people to think. In reality, it refers to being selfish. You were somewhat correct in us being ourselves but the name was for us. To remind ourselves to be selfish. It was the only way that we were able to work together. I have to say that a selfish Ayano-neesan is pretty aggressive with her ideas. It is what I prefer though so it all works out."
"Well I'm happy for you as your friend and someone that worked with her before. Not only as siblings, you have a good future ahead of you. I'm looking forward to seeing you two together more." He was a strange person. First meeting him as the voice for his Blue Moon sample, I had the worst impression of him. Partly due to Suzukawa's presence in his life. After working with him as representatives for Pon Pon Crepe, I realized he wasn't that bad. He was a good kid. An even more amazing as an idol.
My eyes drifted over to Suzukawa. There was still that bad feeling that I had around her. She was talented, in some cases, but I did not like being with her. There was nothing that screamed idol about her. At this rate it'll be impossible for her to live up to the image of her parents. Not by a long shot.
Trivia: While back I said that there was going to be a pop unit. That was referring to these two as I planned for them to be unit with a very colouful and upbeat feel to them. That's part of the reason why Chameleon's Skin is a multi-type brand since it would fit the sexy designer, cool muse and pop main unit with the cute past idea. I originally planned for them to get together in chapter: Declaration but decided to add it all together with the Twinkle Star Cup.
Aikatsu Planet Mirror In started just yesterday. I don't know what happens to the franchise past this but I'm really enjoyed Planet so I'm having a lot of fun. A bit harder to translate as it is a variety show but hopefully you all can enjoy it with me too. Feel free to tell me your thoughts on the series! Also yesterday Kaya (Mao's actress) went on Instagram live and responded to my comment but I couldn't record it so I was so sad but I love the members of STARRY PLANET.